Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107) that governs the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly called drones, weighing less than 55 pounds when used for non-recreational purposes in the United States. It establishes pilot certification requirements, aircraft registration rules, operating limitations (such as altitude, visibility, and daylight restrictions), and waiver procedures.
Plain English
Part 107 is the FAA rulebook for flying drones for any purpose other than fun — for work, hire, or business. It says who can fly, what kind of test they have to pass, and the limits on how, where, and when they can fly.
Context Anchor
Seen in drone training, remote pilot certification, commercial drone operations, and FAA discussions of small drone rules.
Derivation
In FAA regulations, a “part” is a numbered division of the rulebook. “107” is the specific number assigned to the small drone operating rules, so “Part 107” means that exact rule section, not just any part of a document.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance with Part 107 is required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate and avoid civil penalties or operational restrictions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Part 107” as a casual phrase meaning “one part of the rules.” In aviation use, it means one specific FAA rule section for small drone operations.
Example Sentence 1
She passed the Part 107 knowledge test and now flies drones professionally for a real estate photography company.
Example Sentence 2
Part 107 limits drone flights to 400 feet above ground level unless otherwise authorized.